The Golden Chariot Luxury Train

Tour Overview

History of The Train

The Golden Chariot offers 2 tastefully crafted luxury train tours in South India. An initiative of the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), the Golden Chariot travels to an array of World Heritage Sites, wildlife sanctuary, spectacular palaces and cultural sites in South Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

This Indian luxury train comes equipped with state of the art amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi internet, live television and en-suite washrooms. The train also comes with 2 dining cars, a bar & a lounge and fitness center and spa.

With interior decor inspired from the Hoyasala and Mysore tradition of architecture, this luxury train transports the guest into a bygone era of elegant train traveling.

Relax in privacy of your cabin even as the breakfast is served to you every morning. Wake up at a different destination each day, watch the landscape spool by through the panoramic window as you embark on one of the most unforgettable chug across destinations in South India

With all inclusive itineraries which include an array of unique experiences, embark on a voyage through the sand of times as you travel in style aboard this luxury train in South India

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Itinerary Details

Details :

The newly launched luxurious ‘The Golden Chariot' t rain is the fallout of a project alliance between The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) and the Indian Railways (IR). This train will initiate every week on Monday from Bangalore and take passengers on a memorable week-long ride through the historic tourist-destinations in Karnataka. After halting at even Goa state for a while, the train concludes its jo urney by dropping the passengers back at Bangalore on Monday. Read to get the full details of The Golden Chariot tour.

Bangalore, the trendy capital city of the Karnataka state in South India is where from the regal journey of the Golden Chariot train initiates. Blessed with a moderate climate the year round, Bangalore offers visitors loads of options as far as tourist attractions is concerned. The city has become a hotshot for the business class in the country and therefore, has been nicknamed Silicon Valley of India. Passengers are served a lavish dinner and they stay onboard at night.
Day 2 - Tuesday - Mysore - Kabini
00.01 a.m. - Arrival in Mysore
8.00 a.m. – Visit to Kabini sanctuary
10.00 p.m. – Back to Golden Chariot.

The Golden Chariot train reaches the Mysore city and halts here for sometime. For maximum Indians, the name of Mysore is synonymous with its famous de facto ruler, Tipu Sultan. Remnants from the bygone era like forts and palaces dotting the Mysore keep drawing tourists here in bulk. You get driven down to lush green environment of Kabini, once the hunting ground of former Mysore Maharajas. A safari will provide vivid glimpse of them many wild beasts and birds at Kabini. Later, passengers get back to the Golden Chariot, have dinner and stay onboard at night.

The luxurious Golden Chariot train departs from Mysore and heads for the quiet and peaceful town of Hassan in Karnataka. Once here, passengers get driven down to Halebid and Belur to view their renowned temples featuring exquisite south Indian architecture. Infact, the Belur and Halebid temples along with Jain monuments at nearby Shravanabelagola in Hassan district are historically so important that they are being proposed as UNESCO world heritage sites.

Passengers of the Golden Chariot return to the train to have lunch onboard and then proceed to visit Shravanabelagola. The Jain temple situated here is regarded to be amongst the most revered ones in the whole of India. The icing on the cake here is the monolithic statue Lord Gomateswara that reaches a height of 58 feet and is among the largest of its type in Asia. Passengers again return to the train to have dinner and stay there overnight. Day 5 - Friday - TB DAM - Hospet / Hampi
5.30 a.m. - Arrival at TB DAM
8.30 a.m. - Drive up the hill for breakfast.
9.30 a.m. - Train to Hospet / Hampi
1.00 p.m. - Lunch on train
3.30 p.m. - Hampi
7.00 p.m. - Dinner on train.
8.00 p.m. - Departure to TB DAM

The Golden Chariot reaches the Tungabhadra Dam or the TB Dam, from where all passengers onboard the train are driven up a hill to have a sumptuous breakfast. The Golden Chariot thereafter takes passengers to first Hospet and from there to Hampi finally. Hampi was once the seat of the powerful Vijaynagar rulers, whose kingdom included the three states of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The Hampi ruins form an important tourist site today. After this, the passenger tourists visit Anegundi village across the Tunga Badra River on a small ferry to see the rural culture. They return to Golden Chariot, have dinner and stay on board overnight. The train heads for its next destination, Gadag.

The Golden Chariot train makes a majestic entry at Gadag, where passengers set out to explore Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami. Aihole and Pattadakal are known for its more than historic 100 temples that seem sprinkled all over the place. The Durga Temple here is the most celebrated. Temples at Pattadakal made by rulers of the Chalukya dynasty have made the place a world heritage site. Badami, on the other hand, is known for its delicate sculptures among which the most popular are the 18 armed Nataraja in 81 dance poses. Passengers get back to their train for dinner and overnight stay. The train heads for Goa.
Day 7 - Sunday - Goa
5.30 a.m. - Arrival at Goa
9.00 a.m. - Drive to Mapple Viva.
12.00 - 4.00 p.m. - Lunch and then outing at the Calangute Beach
6.00 p.m. - Return to Train.
7.00 p.m. - Departure from Goa.

The Golden Chariot train today brings its passengers to the popular fun destination of India, Goa. Passengers get the entire day to explore the attractions, beaches and nooks and corners of this tiny but exotically beautiful Goa state. After lunch, everyone will be taken to have a gala time on the serene Calangute beach. Later, all return to the Golden Chariot train and stay overnight on board. The train moves on a return journey back to Bangalore city.

Day 8 Monday - Bangalore
11.00 a.m. rrival at Bangalore

Today the grand journey of the Golden Chariot train concludes as it reaches Bangalore city. From here, passenger tourists move on for their onward journey.

Note: It is also possible to begin and end your journey from Goa. In this case, the tour begins on Sunday.

Facilities / Coaches

The Golden Chariot Facilities

A host of facilities on The Golden Chariot train touring Karnataka state in South India promises to give passengers the experience of a really luxurious travel. From intricately carved beautiful interiors to a fully stored Madira Bar, Nala and Ruchi restaurants to royal looking beds – passengers will be offered all these facilities and more during their stay on this grand train. Read on to know about the various facilities available onboard The Golden Chariot.

Cabin Coaches
The Golden Chariot train endeavors to gives its passengers the same grand feeling onboard as when they see the magnificent monuments while exploring the various tourist destinations in Karnataka. As s uch, each of its 19 coaches has been designed very aesthetically and bears a historic touch. For instance, each coach on The Golden Chariot has been named after the various dynasties that governed Karnataka like Kadamba, Hoysala, Rastrakota, Ganga, Chalukya, etc.

Furthermore, there are delicate carvings embellishing the ceiling, the wall panels and furniture in this grand train inspired by Mysore and Hoysala architecture. At last, there are these royal-looking beds covered with silky-soft sheets in the sleeping chambers that are bound to make its owners feel like a king. Read on the gist of facilities proffered onboard The Golden Chariot.

Highlights of the Cabin Coaches of The Golden Chariot

Completely air-conditioned cabins.

There are 26 twin beds, 17 double bed cabins and 1 cabin for the physically challenged.

Vanity / Writing desk.

Every cabin boasts of Wi-Fi, LCD television, DVD with six satellite channels, wardrobe, vanity / writing desk and personal washroom full of luxurious facilities and accessories.

Nala and Ruchi – Restaurants on The Golden Chariot
The Golden Chariot train comprises two fabulous vegetarian and non-vegetarian restaurants - Nala and Ruchi. Nala restaurant bears the name of a famous king and renowned chef from the era of the Mahabharata. Ruchi, on the other hand, is a name which means fine taste in Sanskrit language. The two restaurants offer a wide range of mouth-watering dishes.

Coaches

The new Golden Chariot train promises its passengers a luxurious and memorable week-long jour ney through the historic state of Karnataka in South India even touching exotic state of Goa briefly. To fulfill its promise, the train comprises 19 magnificently designed coaches. Out of these, 11 are passenger coaches in the Golden Chariot and each boasts of modern facilities such as wi-fi- ambience, plasma TV and attached baths and so on.

The surprises do not end just here! Passengers onboard are provided five star facilities in the sense that there are separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian restaurants on this train. As such, passengers on the Golden Chariot can choose to wine and dine at either of the restaurants as per their wish. The famous Golden Chariot train also has ‘Madira' a fully stored bar in one of its coaches.

Tariff

Tariff

October 2014 - March 2015 (For Indian nationals only)

Occupancy Type

Per person / night (INR)

Total for 7 nights per person (INR)

Single

22000

154000

Double

16500

115500

Triple

13200

92400

October 2014 - March 2015 (For International travellers)

Occupancy Type

Per person / night
(IN $)

Total for 7 nights per person
(IN $)

Single

754

5278

Double

545

3815

Triple

440

3080

10% of the tariff for the children upto 5 years of age.
(Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years)
(Age proof of children is to be furnished, which is required at the time of issuance of tickets)

10% of the tariff for the children upto 5 years of age.
(Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years)
(Age proof of children is to be furnished, which is required at the time of issuance of tickets)

10% Surcharge shall be levied on departures during Christmas / New Year.

Service Tax @ 3.09% shall be levied on the prevalent tariff of The Golden Chariot as per Govt. of India norms.

Reservation Policy:
In case of FITs:
• 20% of ticket value at the time of confirming the booking.
• Remaining 80% of ticket value 30 days prior to departure.

In case of Group:
• 50% of ticket value at the time of confirming the booking.
• Remaining 50% of ticket value 45 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy
In case of FITs:
• 5% of the ticket value if cancellation is made until 60 days prior to departure.
• 20% of the ticket value if cancellation is made between 30-59 days prior to departure.
• 50% of the ticket value if cancellation is made between 15-29 days prior to departure.
• 100% of the ticket value if the cancellation is made 14 days prior to departure.

In case of Group:
• 10% of the ticket value if cancellation is made until 60 days prior to departure.
• 25% of the ticket value if cancellation is made between 30-59 days prior to departure.
• 75% of the ticket value if cancellation is made between 15-29 days prior to departure.
• 100% of the ticket value if the cancellation is made 14 days prior to departure.

No show/ En route termination of tour/amendment:
• No Show - In case of No Show / Non-arrival of the guest, no refund or adjustment in future travel will be possible. The whole amount shall be treated as forfeited.
• En route termination of tour - In case of termination of tour by the guest, for any reasons, no refund or adjustment for future travel will be possible. The amount for unused portion of the tour shall be treated as forfeited.
• Amendment - Is only possible under the circumstances like Natural Disaster / Natural Calamity or Serious Health Problem's (this needs to be supported by doctor's certificate) and is subject to availability. No refunds are possible and every case will be decided on merits on a case to case basis.